Effects of endotoxin adsorber hemoperfusion on sublingual microcirculation in patients with septic shock: a

Shih-Hong Chen1,2, Wing-Sum Chan3, Chih-Min Liu4

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, No. 289, Jianguo Rd., New Taipei, Taiwan.

Abstract

Insights

Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion (PMX-HP) improved microcirculation in patients with septic shock. This preliminary study found enhanced vessel density with PMX-HP, though clinical outcomes were not significantly affected.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Sepsis Pathophysiology
  • Microcirculation Research

Background:

  • Endotoxins trigger inflammatory responses and microcirculatory dysfunction in sepsis.
  • Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion (PMX-HP) is known to remove endotoxins and improve microcirculation in animal models.
  • The clinical impact of PMX-HP on microcirculation in septic shock patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion (PMX-HP) on microcirculation in patients experiencing septic shock.
  • To assess whether PMX-HP treatment can improve microcirculatory parameters in septic shock.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving patients with septic shock.
  • Patients were assigned to either a control group or a group receiving PMX-HP in addition to standard care.
  • PMX-HP treatment involved two sessions within 48 hours of septic shock onset.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in mean arterial pressure or norepinephrine dosage were observed between groups post-treatment.
  • Total vessel density (TVD) and perfused vessel density (PVD) were significantly higher in the PMX-HP group at 48 hours.
  • TVD increased to 24.2 mm/mm² and PVD to 22.9 mm/mm² in the PMX-HP group compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • PMX-HP treatment demonstrated an improvement in microcirculation, specifically in vessel density, in septic shock patients.
  • Clinical outcomes were not significantly improved in this preliminary study, particularly in low-mortality risk patients.
  • Larger multicenter trials are necessary to validate these findings in patients with intermediate- and high-risk mortality.

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